Crime statistics down in Stockton

Friday

May 17, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 20, 2013 at 5:05 PM

STOCKTON - Law enforcement efforts to suppress violent crime in Stockton appear to be working after two of the bloodiest years in the city's history, according to new figures from the Stockton Police Department.

Jason Anderson

CORRECTION: May 20, 2013There have been nine homicides in Stockton through the first four months of 2013, a 55 percent decrease from the 20 that occurred during the same period a year ago. Incomplete information was included in the print and initial online versions of this story. The error has been corrected online.

STOCKTON - Law enforcement efforts to suppress violent crime in Stockton appear to be working after two of the bloodiest years in the city's history, according to new figures from the Stockton Police Department.

Statistics released Thursday show a dramatic decline in crime over the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, particularly violent crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Homicides have fallen by 55 percent from 2012, forcible rapes are down 25 percent, robberies have dropped 20.8 percent and aggravated assaults have dipped 15.8 percent, police said. There have been nine homicides in Stockton through the first four months of 2013, down from the 20 that occurred during the same period a year ago.

"We're very pleased that this year to date, compared to last year to date, crime in all categories is down," Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said. "The one area that stands out the most to me, of course, is the area where we've been putting the most emphasis, which is violent crime. We're seeing significant reductions in violent crime and homicides.

"However, we know we have a lot of work to do yet. The summer months are coming, and we have to continue to charge forward with our plan targeting illegal guns and gangs. I think this reiterates why it's so important to stay focused in those areas, because firearms violence has been such a driver for our violent crime rate."

Stockton established highs with 58 homicides in 2011 and 71 homicides in 2012. There were 24 homicides in Stockton at this time a year ago. So far this year, there have been 10.

Motor vehicle thefts are up 8.6 percent in a countywide trend, Jones said, but violent crime has dropped 18.1 percent this year and property crime is down 9.2 percent, an overall decline of 11.2 percent, authorities said.

Jones said the Police Department will continue its outreach efforts and interagency partnerships with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, the California Highway Patrol and federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"We're not resting on our laurels," he said. "But it's very promising, because it shows that lot of our efforts with Project Ceasefire, the large enforcement actions we've undertaken, and community participation and engagement are all helping."